Systems and methods for making and using electrical stimulation systems having multi-lead-element lead bodies

Abstract

A lead for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes a distal lead element, at least two proximal lead elements, and a junction coupling the distal lead element to each of the at least two proximal lead elements. The distal lead element includes a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of conductive wires coupled to the plurality of electrodes and extending along a longitudinal axis of the distal lead element. Each of the at least two proximal lead elements includes a plurality of terminals and a plurality of conductive wires coupled to the plurality of terminals and extending along a longitudinal axis of the proximal lead element. The junction includes a circuit arrangement electrically coupling each of the conductive wires of the distal lead element to at least one of the conductive wires of at least one of the at least two proximal lead elements.

The invention claimed is:  
     
       1. A lead for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue, the lead comprising:
 a distal lead element comprising
 a plurality of electrodes disposed along the distal lead element, and 
 a plurality of first conductive wires coupled to the plurality of electrodes and extending along a longitudinal length of the distal lead element and each having a proximal end; 
 
 at least two proximal lead elements, each of the at least two proximal lead elements comprising
 a plurality of terminals disposed along the proximal lead element, and 
 a plurality of second conductive wires coupled to the plurality of terminals and extending along a longitudinal length of the proximal lead element and each having a distal end; 
 
 a junction coupling the distal lead element to each of the at least two proximal lead elements; and 
 a circuit arrangement disposed in the junction and comprising
 a non-conductive polymer substrate, and 
 a plurality of conductive junction elements at least partially disposed on or in the polymer substrate and electrically coupling the proximal end of each of the first conductive wires to at least one of the distal ends of the second conductive wires. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The lead of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of conductive junction elements are each coupled to at least one non-conductive spine. 
     
     
       3. The lead of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of conductive junction elements comprises a printed circuit. 
     
     
       4. The lead of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of conductive junction elements comprises at least one conductive tracing. 
     
     
       5. The lead of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of conductive junction elements comprises at least one conductive strut. 
     
     
       6. The lead of  claim 1 , wherein the circuit arrangement is potted with a resin. 
     
     
       7. The lead of  claim 1 , further comprising an insulating jacket disposed over the junction. 
     
     
       8. The lead of  claim 1 , wherein the distal lead element has a length that is greater than each of the at least two proximal lead elements. 
     
     
       9. The lead of  claim 1 , wherein a first lumen is defined in the distal lead element and a second lumen is defined in one of the at least two proximal lead elements. 
     
     
       10. The lead of  claim 9 , wherein the first lumen and the second lumen are each configured and arranged to receive a stylet. 
     
     
       11. The lead of  claim 9 , wherein the junction further comprises a transition tube coupling the first lumen to the second lumen to form a continuous passage between the first lumen and the second lumen. 
     
     
       12. The lead of  claim 11 , wherein the transition tube is configured and arranged to receive a stylet. 
     
     
       13. The lead of  claim 11 , wherein the circuit arrangement is rolled up around the transition tube. 
     
     
       14. An electrical stimulating system comprising:
 the lead of  claim 1 ; 
 at least one control module configured and arranged to electrically couple to each of the at least two proximal lead elements, each of the at least one control module comprising
 a housing, and 
 an electronic subassembly disposed in the housing; and 
 
 a connector for receiving at least one of the at least two proximal lead elements, the connector having a proximal end, and a distal end, the connector comprising
 a connector housing defining a port at the distal end of the connector, the port configured and arranged for receiving one of the at least two proximal lead elements, and 
 a plurality of connector contacts disposed in the port, the plurality of connector contacts configured and arranged to couple to the plurality of terminals disposed on the one of the at least two proximal lead elements when the one of the at least two proximal lead elements is received by the port. 
 
 
     
     
       15. A lead for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue, the lead comprising:
 a distal lead element comprising
 a plurality of electrodes disposed on the distal lead element, and 
 a plurality of conductive wires coupled to the plurality of electrodes and extending along a longitudinal axis of the distal lead element; 
 
 at least two proximal lead elements, each of the at least two proximal lead elements comprising
 a plurality of terminals disposed on the proximal lead element, and 
 a plurality of conductive wires coupled to the plurality of terminals and extending along a longitudinal axis of the proximal lead element; and 
 
 a junction coupling the distal lead element to each of the at least two proximal lead elements, the junction comprising a circuit arrangement electrically coupling each of the conductive wires of the distal lead element to at least one of the conductive wires of at least one of the at least two proximal lead elements; 
 wherein the circuit arrangement is rolled up within the junction. 
 
     
     
       16. The lead of  claim 15 , wherein the circuit arrangement comprises a printed circuit. 
     
     
       17. The lead of  claim 15 , wherein the circuit arrangement comprises at least one conductive tracing. 
     
     
       18. A lead for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue, the lead comprising:
 a distal lead element comprising
 a plurality of electrodes disposed on the distal lead element, and 
 a plurality of conductive wires coupled to the plurality of electrodes and extending along a longitudinal axis of the distal lead element; 
 
 at least two proximal lead elements, each of the at least two proximal lead elements comprising
 a plurality of terminals disposed on the proximal lead element, and 
 a plurality of conductive wires coupled to the plurality of terminals and extending along a longitudinal axis of the proximal lead element; and 
 
 a junction coupling the distal lead element to each of the at least two proximal lead elements, the junction comprising a circuit arrangement electrically coupling each of the conductive wires of the distal lead element to at least one of the conductive wires of at least one of the at least two proximal lead elements; 
 wherein the circuit arrangement is folded up within the junction. 
 
     
     
       19. The lead of  claim 18 , wherein the circuit arrangement comprises a printed circuit. 
     
     
       20. The lead of  claim 18 , wherein the circuit arrangement comprises at least one conductive tracing.